Happiness Factories: A success-driven approach to holistic Physical Education

(Paperback)

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Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Happiness Factories explores the ideas, concepts and arguments behind an expanded focus in physical education beyond just the physical. It attempts to discuss the value and benefits of identifying other aspects - whether we call these 'holistic strands', 'character traits', 'life skills' or something else - that we can introduce into our curriculum design to identify other areas that our subject potentially touches on and influences. Taking the reflections and thoughts of PE educators, leaders and academics from across the world, Happiness Factories will seek to offer reflections and practical ideas for adapting PE provision to widen the impact for all pupils, regardless of their specific contexts and the book argues that a physically rich, dynamic and context-driven curriculum approach will expand opportunities for success for all, in turn inspiring future generations of PE pupils to strive for greater engagement, understanding and progression in all aspects of PE. Happiness Factories is the story of the author's career in PE, reflecting on the lessons he has learned, with the successes (and failures) along the way. It presents an alternative view of what modern, meaningful PE can look like and encourages all PE teachers, regardless of their unique context, to reflect on their own practice and the emphasis of the provision they give to their pupils.

Reviews

Whether you're new to physical education or an old hand, Happiness Factories collates the traditional approaches and modern thinking around this great subject and confirms there is not just one way to teach PE. Phil Mathe's humble and honest reflections allow you to reflect on your own practices and approaches to teaching and curriculum development. I would recommend this book to any PE teacher who wants practical, research-led information on how to develop their own PE curriculum in their own context and consider the many case studies from around the globe included in this book. -- Anna Sheppard, head of PE, The Alice Smith School

This book is an easy read that requires you to pick it up and put it down quite often, as it contains constant reflection points throughout. Weaved neatly within relevant theory and the reality of teaching PE, a number of international colleagues share their ways to 'happiness', which promote further reflection in and on action.

It's a slow burner, calling you to read more, to consider your own practice and engage in reflective action.

-- Dr Julie Pearson, course lead for primary PGCE (M) with a specialism in PE and senior lecturer in primary physical education
A refreshing recalibration that provokes our practice. It reminds our fraternity of the unique impact that physical education possesses in educating our learners. Phil cleverly pieces together academic research alongside international examples that demonstrates best practice from around the globe. A tribute to our sharing and caring profession. -- Matthew Trowbridge, director of sport and wellbeing, Aberdare Community School, Wales

Author Bio

Phil Mathe is an international PE teacher with over 15 years' experience of working in, leading and developing PE departments and PE curricula. Having worked in five unique geographical, cultural and socio-economic environments, Phil has developed a passionate belief that PE can be more than a series of disconnected physical experiences and strives to encourage a more joined-up, holistic and pupil-focused approach to PE. Phil is a passionate advocate for the idea that 'context is key' and that every school should provide a meaningful PE programme that works specifically for the pupils within their school. A lifelong love of physical activity and sport drives Phil's motivation to encourage all pupils to engage with and experience success through physically rich, active and diverse opportunities and he regularly speaks on the subject at conferences and events globally. Phil has undertaken a MA in Education, focused on the provision of holistic education within an international context and brings this research into his work. Married with teenage children, Phil has seen first-hand the importance of encouraging engagement but also has a clear understanding that different pupils must be given different focuses, provision and ultimately a wide range of opportunities to experience success through physical education.